If you want puffins, timing matters. This Reykjavik RIB trip gets you close to Lundey while keeping it controlled. I love the small group (max 12) and the hands-on feel, with warm flotation gear and real-time guidance. One drawback to plan for: puffins are shy, so they may not be as close as the photos in your head.

This is built for a tight sightseeing day: about 1 hour total, start and end back at Elding Whale Watching on Ægisgarður. You’ll get outfitted before you go out, then spend your viewing time focused on the cliffs and ocean where the birds feed and rest. If you’re sensitive to motion or wind, the RIB ride can feel sporty, but you still have safety equipment and guides who manage the experience.

Key things to know before you go

• RIB ride for maximum proximity: Fast inflatable boats bring you right up to the puffin zone while maintaining a respectful viewing distance.
• Small group capped at 12: Less crowd noise means better spotting and a calmer feel on the water.
• Warm flotation suit included: You should feel prepared for cold spray and windchill, even if the weather turns.
• Lundey viewing time is short (about 40 minutes): It’s designed for intense looking, not a long cruise day.
• Bring binoculars if you can: Binoculars may be provided, but many people find their phone still struggles with fast, small birds.
• It’s possible to see bonus seabirds: Some departures have extra wildlife sightings in the same general area.

Why the Reykjavik Premium Puffin tour feels special (and not gimmicky)

Puffins are one of Iceland’s most “yes, that’s real” wildlife stars. The trick is getting to the right place without stressing the birds, and that’s exactly where this tour earns its keep. You’re not just passing the coast—you’re using a RIB setup designed for getting close while staying responsible.

The tour’s best value is the combination of close viewing and small-group handling. With up to 12 people, you’re not packed shoulder-to-shoulder, so it’s easier for your guide to manage where everyone sits and how everyone watches.

The one thing to calibrate in advance is expectations for closeness. Puffins are protected and skittish, so even on a “premium” trip you’ll still be watching from a distance that protects nesting birds. If your goal is head-on, one-foot-away selfies, you may feel underwhelmed.

From Elding Whale Watching to the RIB: what the start is really like

Your tour begins at Elding Whale Watching at Ægisgarður 5c, 101 Reykjavík. That matters because it’s a straightforward starting point in the city, and the activity is described as being near public transportation.

Plan to arrive a little early so you can get your gear sorted. You’ll receive the warm flotation suit and the necessary safety equipment before you head out. Reviews also mention gear like warm layers, hats, gloves, and eye protection, which is exactly what you want on a windy North Atlantic day.

You’ll board the RIB and get a quick safety rhythm from the crew. The overall vibe is practical: you’re there to see birds, and the staff’s job is to keep you safe and pointed in the right direction.

RIB speed and sea conditions: what to expect on the water

This is a RIB (rigid inflatable boat), and it’s fast. That can mean fun energy, but it can also mean rougher motion if wind and waves are up. Some people were pleasantly surprised that the ride wasn’t as rough as they expected, especially when conditions were calmer than usual.

If you’ve dealt with seasickness before, take it seriously. The tour does not claim a gentle ride, and at least one person noted feeling seasick because of wind-driven water. In plain terms: dress warm, sit where crew suggests, and consider motion-sickness prevention if you know you need it.

The good news is that the operation is designed around safety and control. Multiple comments praised feeling safe the whole time, and you’ll be wearing protective flotation gear.

Stop at Lundey: puffins, cliffs, and the rules that keep it ethical

Lundey is the heart of the trip. You’ll spend around 40 minutes in the puffin viewing area, where the birds are active and visible around the cliffs and water.

Here’s the key reality check: puffins are watched from the boat, not from land. There’s no stepping onto nesting islands, which is a huge part of why the birds keep coming back. You’ll get as close as the situation allows, but there’s still a line you don’t cross.

That rule is part of the tour’s value, even if it clashes with the marketing fantasy of being face-to-face. You’ll often see a lot of birds at once, with puffins flying overhead, swimming, and diving for fish. If conditions line up, it can look almost nonstop.

Some departures can also produce surprise wildlife sightings in the same general area, including a humpback whale. That’s never the guarantee, but it’s a nice reminder that this part of Iceland is busy.

What “close up” really means for your photos

Puffins are small and quick. Even if you’re positioned well, phone cameras often struggle because the birds hop, turn, and vanish into the next burst of movement. Several people found it hard to get sharp photos from a rocking boat.

Binoculars help a lot, but they’re not magic. If the binoculars provided don’t feel great to you, bring your own if you can. That’s especially useful for spotting details in puffins on cliffs where you’ll need a little extra magnification.

Also, expect your best shots to come from patience, not frantic zooming. When the birds pop into view or circle back after a dive, get ready fast and keep the framing simple.

The guides make or break it: what you’ll notice with a small team

One of the strongest parts of this experience is how much attention the guides pay to you. Multiple guides were mentioned by name in people’s feedback, including Adam, Naina, Tarzan, and Andy. Even the office team got a shout-out for helping with special transport requests for someone with a disability.

On the boat, what you want is clear bird guidance: where to look, how to track movement, and what you’re seeing. The tour is built with “live guidance,” so you’re not just drifting near birds and guessing.

A small-group setting also helps the guide manage attention. With fewer people, it’s easier to keep everyone oriented and to help those who want a better view without shouting over a crowd.

Gear and comfort: you’re not meant to freeze

This trip is cold-weather built. You’ll be given a warm flotation suit plus safety equipment, and reviews mention additional warm clothing and eye protection like goggles. The goal is simple: keep you warm enough to stay focused for the 40-minute viewing stretch.

Comfort is still personal. One review noted that short legs can lead to uncomfortable seating with feet dangle, which makes sense on smaller boat layouts. If height is an issue for you, check the stated minimums: the tour requires at least age 10 or 145 cm.

Your best comfort move is practical: wear warm layers under the suit, keep a firm grip when instructed, and make sure you’re seated where crew can keep you stable during turns.

How long it takes (and why that’s good value in Reykjavik)

The tour runs about 1 hour total. That’s a real benefit when you’re doing Reykjavik in one or two days. Puffin time doesn’t eat your whole day, and you still get back to the original meeting point.

This short format also changes the “risk math.” You’re not buying a half-day gamble. If weather or sea conditions are active, you’re still likely to get a solid window for puffin spotting without losing the rest of your schedule.

Price and value: is $85 worth it?

At $85 per person, you’re paying for a specific kind of access: a RIB ride, warm flotation gear, safety gear, and live guidance, all in a compact time window. That pricing makes sense because this isn’t a long sightseeing cruise—it’s a concentrated wildlife encounter designed around getting you to Lundey while keeping the operation small and controlled.

Where value gets real for most people is the experience style: small-group intimacy plus close viewing. If you’re the kind of traveler who likes to work the details—spotting patterns, learning behavior, using binoculars—this tends to feel worth it.

Where you might hesitate is if you want land access or a guaranteed “standing right next to puffins” moment. This tour is close, not contact. It also doesn’t include snacks, so plan for eating before or after.

Who should book this puffin tour (and who should consider another option)

This tour fits best if you want a guided wildlife experience in a short time. I’d especially recommend it for:

• First-timers who want puffins in Reykjavik without complicated logistics
• People who like active boat travel, with safety equipment and staff direction
• Bird lovers who can use binoculars and don’t mind that phone photos have limits
• Anyone who wants a small-group feel rather than a mass outing

You might reconsider if:

• You’re very sensitive to motion and windy rides
• Your number-one goal is extreme proximity or land-based views
• You’re traveling with very flexible expectations and you need puffins to be guaranteed (wildlife never is)

Also note: the tour requires moderate physical fitness and has an age/height minimum. If you’re unsure, focus on whether you can comfortably board, sit through the boat movement, and stay warm.

Practical tips that improve your chances (even when puffins do their own thing)

Here’s what helps most, based on what people experienced and what the setup implies:

• Bring your own binoculars if you care about detail. Binoculars may be provided, but better optics can make a big difference for small fast birds.
• Use warm layers under the suit and keep your head and hands covered. Windchill is part of the show.
• Expect tricky phone photos. Puffins are quick and the boat moves; steady your grip and keep expectations realistic.
• Listen to the guide’s positioning advice. A small change in where you sit can mean a much better line of sight.
• Be ready for a short, intense window. Lundey time is limited, so treat it like a viewing sprint, not a hangout.

Should you book the Reykjavik Premium Puffin tour by RIB?

If you want the best shot at close puffin viewing from Reykjavik, this tour is a strong pick. The combination of a small group, a RIB ride built for proximity, and warm safety gear makes it a practical way to target puffins without carving out half a day.

I’d book it if you’re comfortable with a boat ride that can feel rough in wind, and if you’re willing to treat puffins like wild animals (meaning you’ll earn the view through watching, not through control). If you’re seasick-prone, bring prevention and dress extra warm.

If your dream is land-based access or guaranteed perfect photos, you may feel frustrated. But if your goal is to see lots of puffins in a guided, ethical way, this is one of the more logical ways to do it from the city.

FAQ

How long is the Reykjavik Premium Puffin tour?

It lasts about 1 hour total.

What is the maximum group size?

The tour has a maximum of 12 travelers.

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts at Elding Whale Watching, Ægisgarður 5c, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland, and ends back at the same meeting point.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

What should I wear in Iceland for this tour?

You’ll be provided with a warm flotation suit and safety equipment. You should also plan for cold, wind, and spray.

Is the tour suitable for kids?

Minimum age is 10 years or 145 cm.

Is admission included for the puffin viewing area?

Admission ticket is listed as free for the stop at Lundey.

Are snacks included?

No, snacks are not included.

Will I get binoculars?

Binoculars are mentioned in feedback as being handed out, but bringing your own binoculars can help if you want more detail.

What happens if weather is bad?

The tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.